Oregon’s won each of their last four games by three or more touchdowns. They haven’t been challenged since their tight, tense 32-31 win over Ohio State in Autzen on October 12th.
Saturday night’s game against Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium, 4:30 P.M. Pacific kickoff, 7:30 local time, represents their sternest test since the Buckeyes in that it is the end of a long grind in Big Ten play, their 8th game in a row since a bye in September. They’re banged up. It’ll be broadcast live on NBC.
The game won’t be close unless the Badgers discover something new or play over their heads. New offensive coordinator Phil Longo has tried to establish an Air Raid attack, but it hasn’t clicked with Braedon Locke taking the snaps. The 6-0, 205 sophomore completes just 56.8% of his passes with 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
They fare a little better when they rely on the ground game. Running back Tawee Walker, a 5-9, 218-pound senior from North Las Vegas, Nevada, has pounded out 676 yards on 142 carries, a healthy 4.8 yards a carry, with 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Badgers will have to shore up their run defense to have a chance. They’ve given up 165 yards a game on the ground, 4.73 per carry, 17th in the Big Ten.